best travel credit cards

Best travel credit cards in Canada

Fact checked by Scott Birke

Updated Jun 4, 2025

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Our 3 best travel credit cards in Canada

A travel rewards credit card can enhance your travel experience by earning you points or miles on flights, while also offering premium perks like airport lounge access and other on-the-go comforts. Here's our Top 3. 

Compare travel credit cards in Canada with our full list here

Whether you’re a bargain hunter, snowbird, frequent flyer or bonus surfer, we’ve handpicked the best card for travel rewards (part of our bigger Best Credit Cards Canada list) to help you fly and stay for less (or for free!). Here's more detail on the top 3 travel cards with some other great loyalty-specific options based on our extensive research.

  • Why you can trust Money.ca's best travel credit cards in Canada list

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    Money.ca rates all credit cards on a numeric scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest rating, respectively. Money.ca’s proprietary scoring formulas break down the confusing language, complex points, rewards and earn rates to give you the real data that caters to your needs first, not ours. We analyzed 28 credit card programs, considered more than 135 features, reviewed over 200 cards and sifted through approximately 27,000 data points to identify the best options available.

    Our partnerships have no impact on our ratings, which are solely determined by the merits of each card. To learn more about how we researched and ranked these cards, read our full credit card review methodology.

    To compare all Canadian card offers, use our new credit card comparison tool.

🏅 Gold: CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Welcome Bonus: Join and get up to $1,100 in value in your first year!†

On CIBC'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • frequently travel with Air Canada and collect Aeroplan points
  • value comprehensive travel insurance
  • value a great welcome offer

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card - 🏆 Winner, Best travel credit card in the Money.ca Credit Card Awards

  • The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card* is our top pick for travel credit cards, offering exceptional value for Canadian travelers with a balanced mix of rewards and practical benefits.
  • We recommend this card for its impressive first-year value, delivering substantial returns that easily offset the modest annual fee. This creates one of the best value propositions in the Canadian travel card market.
  • While the annual fee is already competitive compared to premium travel cards, CIBC enhances the offer by waiving the fee for CIBC Smart Plus account holders. This effectively transforms the card into a no-fee premium travel card, increasing its value for many Canadians.
  • The card stands out for its enhanced earning potential on everyday categories like gas, groceries, and Air Canada travel. This accelerated earn rate allows cardholders to accumulate rewards quickly through routine spending, not just travel bookings.
  • A notable perk is the included checked baggage benefit for up to eight travelers on the same reservation. This can save hundreds of dollars on a single family trip, offering practical value that alone can justify the annual fee.

Disclosures:

  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
  • The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

🥈 Silver: Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points. Expires Oct 31, 2025

On Scotiabank'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • travel often and want premium travel perks like lounge access
  • want to avoid paying foreign exchange fees
  • value a great welcome offer

  • The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card ranks second due to its generous rewards and impressive first-year value.
  • Ideal for those who want to maximize points on every purchase, the card offers: Points earning on all purchases with no category restrictions or spending caps. A straightforward, high-value earning structure, making every dollar spent rewarding—an appealing alternative to complex bonus categories.
  • One of the standout features is the elimination of foreign transaction fees, avoiding the usual 2.5% surcharge on non-Canadian currency purchases. This can save frequent travelers hundreds of dollars annually.
  • The card provides an exceptional first-year value, with some of the highest returns available from any Canadian travel credit card—potentially funding multiple trips within your first year.
  • While justified by the benefits, it may not suit all budgets. However, for those comfortable with the premium cost, the generous rewards and travel perks offer outstanding value.

Disclosures:

  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card to learn more.*See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

🥉 Bronze: The Platinum Card®

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 180,000 Membership Rewards® points* - that’s up to $1,800 towards a weekend away. Expires Aug 18, 2025

On American Express'Secure Site

Get this card if you...

  • are a frequent traveler who wants luxury perks like lounge access
  • want to rack up rewards quickly
  • want great travel insurance, perks and concierge services

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express rounds out our top three travel cards, offering an unmatched collection of premium travel perks for luxury-minded travelers.
  • The card’s comprehensive lounge access benefit stands out as a key feature, though recent limitations on Centurion Lounges and Delta SkyClub access have slightly diminished its value.
  • Despite these restrictions, the card still provides entry to more airport lounges than virtually any competitor, delivering significant value for frequent travelers.
  • We recommend this card for travelers who value its practical benefits, including the annual travel credit that effectively reduces the card’s net cost.
  • The included NEXUS credit further enhances the travel experience by providing expedited border crossing between Canada and the United States.
  • Hotel status benefits deliver tangible luxury upgrades, with complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status and Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite status opening doors to room upgrades, late checkout, and enhanced amenities at thousands of properties worldwide.
  • The exclusive Fine Hotels Collection access provides additional luxury perks including room upgrades, daily breakfast, and unique property amenities.
  • The card’s limited points earning on everyday purchases holds it back from ranking higher on our list, as its base earn rate doesn’t compete with other top travel cards.
  • Nevertheless, for travelers focused on premium benefits rather than points maximization, The Platinum Card® delivers an exceptional suite of travel enhancements.

Disclosures:

Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best Canadian Aeroplan points card

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,300 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply.

On TD'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want to quickly rack up Aeroplan points
  • need comprehensive travel insurance benefits
  • value a great welcome offer

Aeroplan is the most popular travel reward program among our readers, and the Aeroplan card that currently brings the most value for its annual fee is the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card. 

  • Aeroplan remains the most popular travel rewards program among our readers—and for good reason. 
  • It offers exceptional value, flexibility, and access to a vast network of airline partners, including Air Canada and dozens of Star Alliance carriers, making it easy to fly to destinations around the globe using points.
  • Among all Aeroplan-affiliated credit cards, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card currently delivers the best value relative to its annual fee, especially for travelers who want a strong mix of earning power and travel perks without committing to a premium card tier.

Disclosures:

  • †Terms and conditions apply.

    This offer is not available to residents of Quebec.

    The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.

Best credit card for overseas travel with a modest annual fee

Welcome Bonus: Get up to $1,750 in value, including up to 60,000 Aventura Points.†

On CIBC'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want to earn Aventura points on everyday purchases
  • value travel perks, including comprehensive travel insurance
  • want flexible redemption, including loyalty points conversion

  • The CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card stands out as a strong all-around travel rewards card, offering great value for Canadians who travel often or spend heavily in key categories.
  • New cardholders can take advantage of an impressive welcome bonus of Aventura Points—perfect for jump-starting your travel plans with flights, hotels, car rentals, or vacation packages through the Aventura Travel Centre.
  • Enjoy complimentary lounge visits through Visa Airport Companion, powered by DragonPass. This perk adds a layer of comfort and luxury to your travel experience, helping you unwind before your flight.
  • With modest annual income requirements, the card is accessible to a wider range of travelers compared to many premium-tier cards, making it a practical choice for young professionals, families, and mid-tier earners.
  • New accounts benefit from a first-year annual fee waiver, making it easier to try out the card’s features with no upfront cost. After the first year, the annual fee is $139.
  • Aventura Points are redeemable for a wide variety of travel options, not limited to a single airline. This flexibility is ideal for travelers who want to avoid blackout dates or prefer non-traditional routes.
  • The card also includes built-in travel insurance, such as out-of-province emergency medical, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and delayed/lost baggage coverage—adding peace of mind to every trip.

Disclosures:

  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
  • The information for the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best Canadian travel card for lounge access

Welcome Bonus: Get up to 90,000 points and the annual fee waived on your first anniversary for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.* Expires Jan 31, 2026

On BMO'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • are a high-earning globetrotter, looking for travel perks
  • value travel insurance, lounge access, and concierge services
  • appreciate a great welcome offer

Airport lounges offer a welcome retreat with comfy furnishings, quality food, and drinks—perfect during long layovers—but they often come with steep access fees. That’s where the BMO Ascend World Elite®* Mastercard®* stands out.

  • This premium travel card includes complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass, powered by Dragon Pass.
  • Cardholders receive 4 annual complimentary lounge passes, which can be used for themselves or a guest.
  • Considering that DragonPass lounge access typically costs $32 USD per person, these passes offer significant real-world savings—often covering the value of the card’s annual fee.
  • The Dragon Pass network is one of the largest in the world, with access to approximately 1,300 lounges globally—not just obscure or hard-to-reach locations.
  • With the BMO Ascend World Elite®* Mastercard®*, travelers enjoy premium perks and save big on comfort and convenience.

Disclosures:

  • *Terms and conditions apply.

    BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

Best credit card for international travel with accelerated points earning

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.

On American Express'Secure Site

Get this card if you...

  • quickly rack up rewards on dining and grocery purchases
  • want a flexible rewards program with travel rewards
  • want access to exclusive events and robust travel insurance

Amex Cobalt Card - 🏆 Winner, Best overcall credit card in the Money.ca Credit Card Awards

The Amex Cobalt is Money.ca's pick for the best credit card in Canada as its one of the best credit cards for points on everyday purchases.

  • Since many travel-related purchases—like dining, transit, and accommodations—fall into the card’s bonus categories, it’s easy to rack up points quickly while living your regular travel lifestyle. 
  • Points earned through the Cobalt card can be transferred to leading travel loyalty programs, such as Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy, unlocking even greater value for frequent flyers and luxury stay seekers.
  • Unlike most travel cards, the Cobalt uses a monthly fee structure—making it easier to manage and justify for budget-conscious travelers who want premium rewards without a large annual commitment.
  • The card includes travel insurance coverage, including emergency medical, flight delay, and hotel burglary protection, providing peace of mind on every trip.

Disclosures:

  • Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best travel rewards card for no foreign transaction fees

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points. Expires Jul 01, 2025

On Scotiabank'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want exclusive travel benefits like no foreign exchange fees
  • need comprehensive travel insurance benefits
  • want to access exclusive Amex offers

  • The lustre of a huge sign-up bonus tends to dim down after the first year ends, and it’s not worth holding onto a card if it doesn’t have long-term value. That’s what makes the Scotiabank Gold American Express® card stand out: Its regular, daily earn rates are so high that it gives permanent value far and above its annual fee.
  •  Unlike many American Express cards, these high earn rates are valid for both stand-alone stores *and* chain stores  
  • Aside from earning huge rewards domestically, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® card is also a big asset for spending overseas, because it waives foreign transaction fees while still earning 1X Scene+ point for every $1 on purchases made in a foreign currency.

Disclosures:

  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card to learn more.

    *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

Best travel credit card in Canada for no-fee rewards

Welcome Bonus: Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points* when you spend $1,000 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*

On American Express'Secure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want rewards without paying an annual fee
  • want to earn points on everyday spending
  • want a flexible rewards program with exclusive perks

  • If you’re looking to earn travel rewards but aren’t ready to commit to a credit card with an annual fee, the American Express® Green Card is an excellent place to start. 
  •  When you use this credit card, you’ll earn points on everything. There are no complicated rewards schedules or earnings categories, making it easy to calculate your expected rewards within a year.
  • You can redeem your membership points in a variety of ways, not just travel. You can use your membership points to pay for purchases on your credit card statement, book travel with American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, buy merchandise, gift cards or make purchases directly through Amazon.ca.  

Disclosures:

  • Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best travel card for USD cash back

On Rogers Bank'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want to earn cash back with no annual fee
  • are an existing Rogers or Fido customer
  • want complimentary lounge access

  • Most Canadian credit cards charge an FX fe, and technically the Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard® does as well.
  • However, the Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard® more than makes up for that by giving cardholders 3% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases made in U.S. dollars.
  • This not only offsets the 2.5% fee, but it also results in a 0.5% cashback surplus on your U.S. travels.
  • The Rogers™ World Elite® Mastercard® is a more appealing option for frequent U.S. travellers than other no foreign transaction fee cards in Canada because most cards in that category merely waive the foreign transaction fees without giving the extra cash back on top. 
  • And aside from giving cash back on U.S. dollar transactions, the Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard® also yields 1.5% in cash back rewards on purchases in CAD.

💳 What are your credit card points worth?

What are your travel points actually worth? Calculate the value of your rewards points by selecting the loyalty currency of your choosing and the amount of points to check:

Top tip: Eat in and save big

Eating out for every meal adds up quickly. Opt for accommodations with kitchens or kitchenettes to save on food costs. Airbnb and apart-hotels are great options for this.

✅ The bottom line on travel credit cards

Choosing the right travel credit card can be your ticket to more rewarding adventures. Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional vacationer, there's a card out there that can elevate your travel experience. Remember, the best card for you depends on your spending habits, travel goals, and lifestyle.

Don't just chase flashy sign-up bonuses - look for a card that offers long-term value through strong earn rates, flexible redemption options, and travel perks that match your needs. Consider factors like annual fees, foreign transaction charges, and insurance coverage to ensure you're getting the most bang for your buck.

Best travel credit cards in Canada FAQs

  • Which travel credit cards are accepted worldwide?

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    The generalization that Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than Amex is not necessarily the case abroad like it is in Canada. American Express carries a lot of prestige and has a large network in foreign countries, and before travelling it’s best to check on a country-by-country basis about which card processors are most widely accepted. Merchants in some areas may inexplicably tend to support Mastercard over Visa, for example. For more, read our guide on where Amex is accepted in Canada.

  • Which travel credit cards offer the best travel insurance?

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    Out-of-province medical coverage is what most refer to when they say they want the best insurance that their credit card can provide. Medical coverage is measured by the amount of time it covers you while you’re travelling and the maximum age limit that it covers. Aside from out-of-province medical coverage, it’s also good to have insurance for delays and interruptions, your baggage, rental car and other potential liabilities. The best cards combine all into one, like the Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard or the Scotiabank Gold American Express®.

  • Can I get a travel card with low/bad/fair credit?

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    There are travel cards in Canada accessible to applicants with credit scores in the mid-600 range or higher. These travel cards designated for those with average/fair credit scores likely won’t feature the most sought-after travel perks, like lounge access or extensive travel insurance, but they should at least earn some travel rewards or miles for regular spending. Keep in mind that your credit score will also affect your credit limit. For more read our best credit card for fair credit guide.

  • Will applying for multiple travel credit cards ruin my credit score?

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    It’s best to minimize the number of credit card applications you make within a period of a few months. Each credit card application review will typically require a hard credit check, and many hard credit checks in a short period could damage your credit score and suggest to a potential lender that you aren’t creditworthy.

  • What is Mastercard Travel Pass?

    +

    Mastercard Travel Pass is a suite of travel-related benefits and services available to eligible Mastercard cardholders in Canada. The program, provided by DragonPass, aims to enhance your travel experience by offering a range of perks and conveniences. From discounted transportation and accommodation to exclusive access to dining and entertainment options, Mastercard Travel Pass has you covered.

    What are the top benefits of Mastercard Travel Pass?

    One of the key features of Mastercard Travel Pass is the airport security fast track and lounge visits. As a member, you'll have the privilege of fast-track access through airport security, saving you valuable time. Moreover, you'll have access to over 1,300 global lounges across Canada, including nearly 10 airport lounges. This means you can relax and unwind in comfort before your flight.

    Additionally, you'll have access to dedicated travel information to keep you informed of the latest travel policies.

    How does Mastercard Travel Pass work?

    If you are eligible, you can enroll in the Mastercard Travel Pass program by visiting the Mastercard website. The enrollment process typically involves providing personal and card information. Once enrolled, you must activate your Mastercard Travel Pass by downloading the dedicated mobile app (available in the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android) or accessing the program's website. This will allow you to access the available benefits and services.

    Not all Mastercard products are eligible for the Travel Pass program. It is an optional extra offered by some banks for premium travel cards, such as the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card. To determine if you qualify, it is important to check with your card issuer or review your card's terms and conditions.

    Using Mastercard's Travel Pass is straightforward:

    - Use the Travel Pass app to find the airport lounge you are interested in.

    - Show your membership at the lounge entrance to enjoy free* access.

    - Track your lounge visits and remaining visits through the app.

    Mastercard Travel Pass terms and conditions to know

    Some banks offer Travel Pass to the primary cardholder and one authorized user. This means that both you and your joint cardholder will receive your own set of visits.

    Guests are welcome in select DragonPass lounges (LoungeKey lounges) but must be an eligible Travel Pass member to enter. Additionally, guests may be charged a guest fee of $32 USD unless the account holder redeems one of their complimentary visits.

    Complimentary lounge access passes reset each January. Unused passes do not roll over, so planning your travel carefully is important to avoid missing out on free lounge access and more.

    *See your card's terms and conditions for more information on applicable charges.

    More: The best lounge access credit cards in Canada

  • Can you get free flights with a Canadian credit card?

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    Getting free flights, the holy grail of credit card rewards, is easier than it seems. While some people spend years diligently saving up enough miles to fly free, others have figured out a way to earn free flights in a matter of minutes.

    Actually, it’s really no secret at all. Travel hacking is the totally legal and cunningly simple craft of getting free flights with credit cards. What makes travel hacking so appealing is that it’s easy, fast and can be used even if you’re not a big spender, frequent flyer, or credit card aficionado. Why spend $25,000 and wait a year to earn enough miles from your credit card for a free flight when you can do so right away just by signing up for a new card offer? In fact, you can sign up for multiple credit cards and get multiple free flights – every year.

    Credit card welcome bonuses are one of the easiest ways to get a free flight. Simply apply for a credit card with a sign-up bonus large enough to fund free airfare. You can sign up for multiple credits cards throughout the year, giving you multiple tickets, and some cards might even waive or rebate their first year’s annual fee.

  • What can I use instead of a credit card for travel?

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    We recommend using a credit card because you'll be covered in case you're a victim of fraud. But you can also make sure you have access to backup payment methods, including debit and cash. While credit cards are widely accepted in North America, there are countries where cash remains highly preferred or the only acceptable payment method.

    It’s essential to research before travelling, notify your credit card company, be vigilant while spending, and frequently review your credit card transactions on your bank’s mobile app.

Disclosures:

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply. BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

Nathan Siegel has a professional and educational passion for finance, and is a long-time writer for GreedyRates. He follows trends in the Canadian banking sector, compares competing products, and pours over fine print to make personal finance choices easier for Canadian consumers. In his spare time he loves running, swimming, and dogs of all kinds.

Cory Santos Credit card editor

Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk. He's also the creator and author of the annual Money.ca Credit Card Awards.

Disclaimer

The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.

†Terms and Conditions apply.